SOLUTION: A lot has the shape of a right triangle with one leg 2m longer than the other. The hypotenuse is 2m less than twice the length of the shorter leg. Find the length of the shorter l

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: A lot has the shape of a right triangle with one leg 2m longer than the other. The hypotenuse is 2m less than twice the length of the shorter leg. Find the length of the shorter l      Log On


   

Question 182367: A lot has the shape of a right triangle with one leg 2m longer than the other.
The hypotenuse is 2m less than twice the length of the shorter leg. Find the length of the shorter leg.
Answer by tvandenberg(45) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
b+=+a+%2B+2
c+=+sqrt%28a%5E2%2Bb%5E2%29+=+2a+-+2

2a%5E2%2B4a%2B4+=+%282a-2%29%5E2+=+4a%5E2-4a%2B4
a%5E2%2B2a%2B2+=+2a%5E2-2a%2B2
-a%5E2%2B4a=0
a%28-a%2B4%29=0
a = 0 or 4
--
Since a triangle can't have a side of 0, a = 4
Not needed, but b = 6, c = sqrt%2852%29+=+2%2Asqrt%2813%29